HTC One With BlinkFeed Is a Feature- and Media-Rich Smartphone

'Bold' Was a Frequently-Used Adjective for HTC One

HTC President Jason Mackenzie said the company was "taking a bold step forward and delivering something bold and new." He added that the One, which features a 4.7-inch 1080p screen, a new type of physical construction and impressive camera, audio and speaker technologies, among other features, "improves on every part of the smartphone experience."

HTC's countdown clock timed out Feb. 19, and at a New York City event, which was streamed live to a venue in London, the smartphone maker introduced the One. Not to be confused with the One X, the One is the smartphone model that HTC is banking on to boost its brand appeal and win over consumers who might otherwise have eyes for Android-running Samsung devices or the iPhone 5. The One runs the Jelly Bean version of Android, a brand-new Sense user interface, and features lots of uppercase buzz words, like BlinkFeed, which turns the home screen into a live stream of user-relevant information; Zoe, a feature that takes three-second high-resolution photos; and BoomSound, which delivers sound that is actually audible, even when not paired with ear buds. There is also SenseVoice, for a better calling experience in loud places, and Sense TV, which turns the infrared-equipped phone into a remote control. HTC executives at the event spared no descriptors. HTC President Jason Mackenzie called the One "bold and new." Lead Designer Jonah Becker said it's "like nothing you've ever felt before." While Mike Woodward, president of HTC Americas, called it "the best phone ever made" and a "bold, new smartphone for a new era." The One will arrive in late March, from the most carriers to ever participate in an HTC launch. In the United States, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile will offer it.